List 8 – Cistus x purpureus
Cistus x purpureus (purple rock rose)
Family: Cistaceae
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
Size:
- 50cm-1m wide
- 50cm-1m tall
Form:
- Bushy
Soil & Water requirements:
- Well-drained
- Low water needs
- Drought tolerant, but needs some irrigation in extended drought
Exposure:
- Full sun
Leaves:
- Glandular; slightly sticky
- Narrow, dull green leaves
- Evergreen shrub
Flowers:
- Purple-pink petals with maroon patches at base; 8cm wide
- Unique petal texture; looks like crinkled tissue paper
- Short bloom period (limitation); June and July
- But, when in bloom, lots of flowers; stunning
Suitable uses:
- Institutional and industrial settings
- Along west-facing wall
- Mass planting
- Divider
- Rock garden
- Coastal garden
- Cottage garden
Other:
- Overall a good performer
- Not great for a small garden because of the short bloom, but excellent for a more industrial or institutional setting